Well it looks like Samsung has just thrown its hat in the ring to compete with Sony’s NEX-5 camera, by launching a similar line of cameras that let you swap lenses while still being very portable. The Samsung NX100 is a mirrorless camera equipped with the world’s first i-Function lens and is also the first in the world to feature an APS-C size sensor. It also has a 3-inch AMOLED screen and an ISO that is raised to a max of 6400 for quick action shots. The design of the NX100 is inspired by strangely enough, dew forming on a leaf, and it comes in two different colors; black and brown. The lens incorporates a i-Function button which allows users to scroll through manual settings, and a focus ring which is used to easily change parameters for each setting.

“Our aim is to dominate the mirrorless camera market in the same way that we do in the DualView category, and the new NX100 is the embodiment of that goal,” said Mr. SangJin Park, President of Samsung Digital Imaging Division, Samsung Electronics. “We are the first to create a mirrorless camera with high quality imaging technology which has been designed based on intuitive consumer insights from our in-depth consumer research. This is why we believe that the NX100, alongside the NX10, will cement our leadership in this growing field. Our unique and pioneering i-Function Lens stands out from the competition as an example of our unparalleled innovation, which will appeal to every photographer.”

At launch, the lens line-up for the NX100 includes a compact zoom 20-50mm lens, and a 20mm wide angle Pancake lens. Two additional specialized lenses will be available in the first half of 2011 – a 60mm Macro lens and 18-200mm Super Zoom lens. Three more lenses will be introduced by the second half of 2011, including 16mm, 85mm, and 16-80mm lenses.

Expect the NX100 to launch sometime later this month with a street price of $599.